Science in Schools

Areas of Science

• Astrophysics

  If high school physics is the study of gravity, centripetal forces, and energy transfer – then astrophysics builds on that to investigate dark matter, new galaxies, and how our wider Universe works.

• Bio21

  The Bio21 Institute seeks to improve human health and the environment through innovation in molecular life sciences and biotechnology, driven by collaborative research and dynamic interactions with industry. The University of Melbourne's Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute), is a multidisciplinary research centre specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology. Accommodating more than 600 research scientists, students and industry participants, the Bio21 Institute is one of the largest biotechnology research centres in Australia.

• Biology

  From cells to ecosystems, there are countless aspects of biology that our researchers in BioSciences dedicate their careers to. This includes studying human nutrition through agricultural crops, creating novel proteins, and finding ways to conserve endangered species.

• Engineering Research

  How did humans build sustainable and innovative communities that spread worldwide? Engineering includes the study of the natural environment, transport, machines, buildings, and even humans. It strives to improve the physical structures that society is established on in ways that benefit both humans and the planet.

• Geology, Climate and Weather

  The earth sciences deeply explores earthly phenomenon to understand how it has changed over time. While geology focuses on rocks and minerals in the ground, climate and weather focuses on changes in the air all around us.

• Information Technology (IT)

  It is a rapidly moving field that explores the way we manage and store data. The flow of information across the world has become crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals. It is expanding human society to an entirely different platform, as more of our world goes online.

• Mathematics and Statistics

  Originally mathematicians engaged in pure mathematics – mathematics for its own sake, without having any application in mind. Today however, almost all practical applications begin with mathematical foundations. Regarded as the root of all sciences, mathematics and statistics is now essential for millions of people to understand the growing amount of data in every field of study and work. It also helps us make everyday decisions (whether we realise it or not).

• Nanoscale imaging

  In science, the ability to truly observe phenomena has always been as good as the technology behind it. Be it tiny bacteria or even tinier nanostructures used to create materials that could change the world, nanoscale imaging is crucial to discoveries.

• Particle physics

  Called “high energy physics”, particle physics explores all kinds of particles, and the forces that form the Universe. What makes up an atom, and in how many ways can it exist? Can we make new fundamental particles?

• Urban Ecosystems (Burnley Campus)

  How do we bring nature into our cities? Researchers at Burnley help design our city’s landscape by strategic planting on spaces such as roofs and walls, and also develop vegetation techniques to adapt to climate change – all of which will transform the urban environments of the future. Students will have the opportunity of living on campus in Burnley.